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Madrid undermines democracy in Catalonia - Puigdemont

President of Catalonia region Carles Puigdemont
President of Catalonia region Carles Puigdemont
MADRID, Oct 21 (KUNA) -- President of Catalonia region Carles Puigdemont said Madrid government's dismissal of his administration on Saturday was undermining democracy and the province's autonomous rule.
Puigdemont, in a statement from his government office building, said he would ask Catalonia's parliament to consider proper reaction against the decision by the government in Madrid to suspend his duties and those of his advisors, as well as limiting powers of the parliament.
Madrid's decisions are "the toughest strike against Catalonia since the era of dictator Franco," he said.
Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy announced dismissal of the local administration in Catalonia and calling for early parliamentary elections in the region.
Speaking at a news conference following an extraordinary Cabinet session, Rajoy said the ministers endorsed a series of measures as part of implementing Provision 155 of the Constitution, which empowers the central Government to coerce any Spanish region to Abide by the State laws and the National Constitution.
Rajoy has declared suspending jurisdictions of Puigdemont, his deputy and members of the Government in the region. They will be succeeded by figures that will be appointed by the Madrid Government.
Puigdemont said triggering Provision 155 was "unacceptable" and posed a threat on the Catalan people, who would defend themselves peacefully.
He called on European leaders and citizens to stand by Catalonia.
Rajoy also announced that the Catalan Parliament would pursue its "representation role," but would be stripped of the power to make any initiative that may contradict with the laws and the Constitution. Moreover, the Catalan Assembly cannot nominate a new leader for the region.
The premier has also declared that he will call for legislative elections in Catalonia as soon as possible, noting his prerogatives allow him to dissolve the parliament and call for voting.
These measures, he said further, aim at restoring legitimacy, citizens' co-existence in Catalonia and maintaining the economic recovery.
The Cabinet resolutions will be referred to the Senate, today, pending endorsement next Friday. Rajoy's right-wing party, the People's Party, dominates the Senate.
Rajoy has taken the tough stance against the Catalan leadership after the latter failed to confirm whether it had declared independence from Madrid. Puigdemont, on Thursday, warned that the Catalan Parliament might vote for secession from Madrid.
Catalonia held a public referendum for independence from Madrid on October 1. Ninety percent of the estimated two million voters were in favor of the independence. Madrid declared that the polling was illegal and illegitimate. (end) hnd.bs